These fun tacos mix delicious burger flavors into a tasty treat! Imagine juicy beef, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings all wrapped in a soft taco shell.
Every bite feels like a party! I love adding ketchup and pickles just like on a classic burger. These tacos are an easy way to enjoy burgers in a whole new style! 🌮🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend an 80/20 blend for juicy burgers. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use 90/10, but the burgers may be less juicy. Alternatively, ground turkey or plant-based meat are great choices for a different flavor.
Tortillas: You can use either flour or corn tortillas based on your taste. I prefer flour for a softer texture, but corn adds a nice crunch. If gluten-free, try corn tortillas or even lettuce wraps!
American Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, but feel free to swap it out for Cheddar or Pepper Jack for a bolder taste. Just ensure whatever cheese you pick melts well.
Mayonnaise: It’s the base of our sauce, but Greek yogurt or sour cream could work as a lighter alternative. If you’re avoiding dairy, try an avocado spread for creaminess.
Hot Sauce: This is optional but adds a nice kick! You can leave it out or substitute with your favorite spicy sauce for extra heat.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Smash on My Burgers?
The key to a great smash burger is the cooking technique. When you form the beef into balls, don’t pack them tightly—this keeps them tender. When they hit the skillet, use a sturdy spatula to press them down quickly. Here’s how:
- Preheat your skillet over medium-high and add a bit of cooking oil.
- Once the skillet is hot, place the meat balls on it and press down hard until they are about 1/4 inch thick. This creates a nice crust.
- Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. This helps with browning. Then, flip, add cheese, and cook for another minute or so until the cheese melts.
Taking your time to smash properly will give you the delicious crust that makes these burgers special!
How to Make The Original Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 4 slices American cheese
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook, for a total of around 25 minutes to enjoy these tasty smash burger tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce (if you’re using it). Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and set the sauce aside for later.
2. Shape the Beef:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions, which should be about 4 ounces each. Form each portion into a loose ball. Remember, don’t pack them too tightly; you want them to stay juicy!
3. Heat the Griddle or Skillet:
Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. To prevent sticking, add a little cooking oil to the surface and let it get hot.
4. Cook the Burgers:
Place the beef balls onto the hot surface and immediately smash them down with a spatula until they’re about 1/4 inch thick. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they have a nice crust, then flip the patties over.
5. Add Cheese:
After flipping the patties, place a slice of cheese on each burger. Let them cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. Heat the Tortillas:
While your burgers are cooking, warm the tortillas on a separate skillet or right on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side. You want them to be soft and easy to fold.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take each warm tortilla and place one smashed burger with melted cheese in the center. Top it off with some shredded lettuce, pickle slices, and give it a generous drizzle of your prepared sauce.
8. Serve:
Fold the tortillas over the filling and serve them hot. Enjoy your delicious smash burger tacos with family or friends—you’ll definitely want seconds!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, but keep in mind that these meats are leaner, so they might not be as juicy. To enhance flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or a bit of grated cheese to the mix. Make sure to cook them the same way, forming loose balls before smashing.
What if I Don’t Have Tortillas?
If tortillas aren’t available, you can use pita bread or even lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Just cut the pita into smaller rounds or use large lettuce leaves as a wrap. Keep in mind that the texture and flavors may vary slightly depending on your alternative!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover taco components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The cooked patties can last about 3 days, while the sauce can be stored for up to a week. Reheat the patties on a skillet to keep them juicy when assembling your tacos later.
Can I Make the Sauce Spicier?
Absolutely! To add more heat, you can increase the hot sauce in the recipe or even mix in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Just start small and adjust to your preference as you mix!
